Dual configuration transceiver housing

ABSTRACT

A transceiver module is configured for insertion within a cage. The cage has a cage latch that retains the transceiver module in the cage. The transceiver module has a housing configured to receive any one of at least two different release mechanisms. Each of the release mechanisms is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the cage latch is not deflected when the release mechanism is in the first position, and wherein the cage latch is deflected when the release mechanism is in the second position such that the transceiver module can be removed from the cage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a pluggable transceiver module for use in afiber optic switch.

Fiber optics are increasingly used for transmitting data signals.Typically, when data is transmitted by an optical network, it must beconverted from an electrical signal to a light signal, and visa versa.In order to effectuate the conversion between electrical and opticalsignals, a transceiver module is used at both ends of a fiber opticcable. Each transceiver module typically contains a laser transmittercircuit capable of converting electrical signals to optical signals, andan optical receiver capable of converting received optical signals backinto electrical signals.

Typically, a transceiver module is electrically interfaced with a hostdevice, such as a host computer, switching hub, network router, switchbox, computer I/O or the like. In many applications is it desirable forthe transceiver modules to be “hot-pluggable,” that is, the transceivermodule may be inserted into and removed from the host system withoutremoving electrical power. In this way, if a transceiver module fails,it can more readily be removed from the host device and replaced with anew module without soldering or the like.

Consequently, several pluggable transceiver module designs and standardshave been introduced in which a pluggable transceiver module plugs intoa receptacle which is electronically connected to a host circuit board.For example, such a standard is delineated in the Small Form-FactorPluggable (SFP) Transceiver Multi-Source Agreement (MSA), dated Sep. 14,2000. Such standards define a receptacle or cage that receives atransceiver module. The cage includes a cage latch. The transceivermodule includes a latch boss which fits into the cage latch. Thetransceiver module also includes an actuator configured to engage thecage latch and deflect the cage latch away from the latch boss, therebyreleasing the transceiver module from the cage. An exposed feature ofthe transceiver module is color coded to indicate if the transceivermodule is multi-mode or single mode.

Although various standards have been given for the configuration of thetransceiver module and the cage, variations between manufacturers existas to some of the specific dimensions and configurations. The variationsbetween manufacturers are sometimes intended to satisfy differentend-user requirements, such as how the transceiver is extracted from thecage. Consequently, it is desirable to have transceiver and cage designsthat are easily adapted to different configurations without requiringdifferent tooling, molds, components, etc., to construct the desiredconfiguration. A transceiver that is readily adaptable to differentconfigurations would be an improvement to the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A transceiver module is configured for insertion within a cage. The cagehas a cage latch that retains the transceiver module in the cage. Thetransceiver module comprises a housing configured to receive any one ofat least two different release mechanisms. Each of the releasemechanisms is movable between a first position and a second position,wherein the cage latch is not deflected when the release mechanism is inthe first position, and wherein the cage latch is deflected when therelease mechanism is in the second position such that the transceivermodule can be removed from the cage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a transceiver module inaccordance with the present invention plugged into a cage mounted on aprinted circuit board.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective illustration of the transceivermodule.

FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of the housing of the transceivermodule.

FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of the cage for receiving thetransceiver module.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the actuator wedge used in oneconfiguration of the transceiver module.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan illustration of the assembled transceivermodule.

FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration of a release handle being used toremove the transceiver module from the cage.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective illustrations of a release tool used toremove the transceiver module from the cage.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are enlarged perspective views of the mode indicatorbutton used with the transceiver module.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shownby way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention maybe practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,”“bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used withreference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Becausecomponents of embodiments of the present invention can be positioned ina number of different orientations, the directional terminology is usedfor purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural orlogical changes may be made without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is notto be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present inventionis defined by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates transceiver module 10, face plate 11, cage 12, andprinted circuit board (PCB) 14 in accordance with the present invention.Cage 12 is shown mounted to PCB 14. Cage 12 can be secured to PCB 14 invarious ways consistent with present invention. Face plate 11 is fixedthe PCB 14 and typically includes a plurality of openings. Cage 12 isillustrated extending through one of the openings in face plate 11. Cage12 may be further secured to faceplate 11 with outwardly-extendingprongs or springs or the like. Only a single cage 12 is illustratedextending through faceplate 11 for ease of illustration, but one skilledin the art will recognize that a multiplicity of cages can be mounted toPCB 14 and extend through faceplate 11 to receive a multiplicity oftransceivers in accordance with the present invention.

Cage 12 includes cage latch 16. In FIG. 1, transceiver module 10 isshown inserted into cage 12 and secured by cage latch 16. Cage latch 16is resiliently biased to move toward transceiver module 10 therebysecuring transceiver module 10 within cage 12. Cage latch 16 can also bemoved away from transceiver module 10 so that transceiver module 10 canbe extracted from cage 12, as will be described in more detail below.

Transceiver module 10 includes input/output receptacles 20 in its frontface 21. Input/output receptacles 20 may be used to provide both inputand output for optical and electrical signals to and from transceivermodule 10. In other embodiments, one or more input/output receptacle 20may be used. Front face 21 of transceiver module 10 is referred to asbeing at the front of transceiver module 10. However, in this regard,such directional terminology is used with reference to the orientationof the Figures being described and is in no way meant to be limiting.One skilled in the art will recognize that components of embodiments ofthe present invention can be positioned in a number of differentorientations.

In operation, optical and electrical signals can be transmitted to andfrom a destination or source that is plugged into input/outputreceptacles 20 to transceiver module 10. When transceiver module 10 isplugged into cage 12, it is in electrical communication with PCB 14 viathe connections therebetween. Thus, signals can be sent to and from thePCB via transceiver module 10. Transceiver module 10 is hot pluggableand may be removed from cage 12 and replaced.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded isometric view of the top-front side of afirst configuration of transceiver module 10. Transceiver module 10includes housing 22 which receives transceiver opto-electroniccomponents 24 and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield 26. In thefirst configuration of transceiver module 10, release handle 27 andactuator wedge 28 are attached to housing 22 in manners described ingreater detail below. A mode indicator button 30 is attached to housing22 to indicate the particular mode of transceiver module 10. Modulecover 32 is configured to fit over housing 22 of transceiver module 10and protects opto-electronic components 24. Module cover 32 also helpssecure module 10 in cage 12 when it is inserted therein, and also helpssecure release handle 27 and actuator wedge 28 to housing 22.

In one embodiment, housing 22 is formed of a die cast or moldedconductor, such as metal or conductive plastic, while module cover 32 isformed from stamped and shaped sheet metal. Release handle 27 is formedof shaped wire, while wedge 28 and mode indicator button 30 are formedof a plastic material.

In a second configuration of transceiver module 10, the same housing 22,opto-electronic components 24, EMI shield 26, mode indicator button 30and module cover 32 are utilized, but release handle 27 and actuatorwedge 28 are omitted from transceiver module 10. In this manner,different end-user configuration requirements for the transceiver module10 can be satisfied with common components. In particular, housing 22can be used for at least two different transceiver moduleconfigurations.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the bottom side of housing 22 provides a surface33. A latch boss 34 extends away from surface 33 such that the top oflatch boss 34 is raised relative to surface 33. Latch boss 34 extendsaway from surface 33 and is configured to engage cage latch 16 of cage12 (best seen in FIG. 4). Specifically, when transceiver module 10 isinserted into cage 12, latch boss 34 deflects latch 16 slightly awayfrom transceiver module 10 such that latch boss 34 travels past thefront edge 36 of latch 16 and toward latch slot 40 in latch 16. Whentransceiver module 10 is fully inserted into cage 12, latch boss 34 isaligned with latch slot 40 such that latch boss 34 extends through latchslot 40. Latch 16 is configured with a bias such that when latch boss 34is fully aligned with latch slot 40, latch 16 transitions towardtransceiver module 10. In this way, transceiver module 10 will be lockedinto cage 12.

In one embodiment, latch boss 34 and latch slot 40 are configured to betriangular in shape and complement each other such that latch boss 34fits through latch slot 40. Although latch slot 40 is specified astriangular in shape in the above-referenced Small Form-Factor PluggableTransceiver Multi-Source Agreement, latch boss 34 and latch slot 40 mayhave shapes other than the triangular shape illustrated in the Figures.The shapes of latch boss 34 and latch slot 40 may be the same (i.e.,both triangular, rectangular, circular, etc.), or may be different, solong as latch slot 40 is capable of securely engaging latch boss 34.

In the first configuration of transceiver module 10, release handle 27is mounted in trough 37 or similar openings on housing 22. Handle 27 ismounted in trough 37 such that it can be rotated relative to transceivermodule 10. Release handle 27 includes cam portion 39. As described ingreater detail below, when handle 27 is rotated, cam portion 39 engagesactuator wedge 28 and causes wedge 28 to move away from front face 21 oftransceiver module 10. In one embodiment (best seen in FIG. 5), tabportions 43 of module cover 32 trap handle 27 within trough 37 whenmodule cover 32 is installed on housing 22.

In the first configuration of transceiver module 10, actuator wedge 28(seen in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6) is slidably retained in a slot (shown asT-slot 42) that is provided on surface 33. Slot 42 is configured toretain actuator wedge 28 such that wedge 28 can move toward and awayfrom the front side 21 of transceiver module 10, but so that it cannotmove laterally. The engaging shapes of actuator wedge 28 and slot 42 maydiffer from the T-shape illustrated, so long as slot 42 retains actuatorwedge 28 adjacent surface 33 and permits wedge 28 to move toward andaway from the front side 21 of transceiver module 10, but constrainslateral movement of actuator wedge 28.

Actuator wedge 28 includes tines 44 spaced to accommodate latch boss 34therebetween, such that when latch boss 34 is placed between tines 44,as illustrated in the Figures and described in greater detail below,linear movement of wedge 28 (in the direction of arrow 45 in FIG. 6)will not be impeded by latch boss 34 as wedge 28 moves away from thefront face 21 of transceiver module 10. Tines 44 of wedge 28 areconfigured with ramp portions 52. As wedge 28 moves away from the frontface 21 of transceiver module 10, ramp portions 52 of tines 44 engagelatch 16 of cage 12 and deflect latch 16 away from surface 33 of module10. Ramp portions 52 are illustrated as having a generally linear slope,but can also be designed with non-linear slopes.

To extract transceiver module 10 from cage 12, cage latch 16 must bemoved away from surface 33 of transceiver module 10 a sufficientdistance so that that latch slot 40 is removed from engagement withlatch boss 34 and latch boss 34 clears the front edge 36 of latch slot40, as will be described more fully below.

In the configuration of transceiver module 10 having release handle 27and actuator wedge 28, the release handle 27 can be used to releasetransceiver module 10 from cage 12 so that it can be extractedtherefrom. In FIGS. 1 and 6, release handle 27 is shown in a closed or0° position, such that it is generally parallel with the front face 21of transceiver module 10. In one embodiment, cam portion 39 of releasehandle 27 does not engage wedge 28 when release handle 27 is in theclosed postion. As release handle 27 is rotated from the initial closedposition toward a second open position (best seen in FIG. 7), camportion 39 moves away from the front of transceiver module 10 with therotation, thereby engaging actuator wedge 28 and causing actuator wedge28 to move in an approximately linear direction within slot 42 away fromthe front face 21 of transceiver module 10 with the rotation of releasehandle 27.

As wedge 28 moves away from front surface 21, ramp portions 52 of wedge28 engage cage latch 16 and deflect latch 16 away from surface 33 oftransceiver module 10 and consequently away from latch boss 34. In thisway, the movement of wedge 28 against latch 16 pushes latch 16 off latchboss 34 and provides clearance for latch boss 34 to pass out of latchslot 40. Once adequate clearance is provided, transceiver module 10 canbe removed from cage 12, such as by pulling on handle 27.

In the configuration of transceiver module 10 in which release handle 27and wedge 28 are not present, release tool 60 (illustrated in FIGS. 8Aand 8B) can be used to release transceiver module 10 from cage 12 sothat it can be extracted therefrom. Release tool 60 includes a handleportion 61 having connector engagement elements 62 at one end thereof.Engagement elements 62 are configured to engage receptacles 20 oftransceiver module 10. Actuator arm 64 extends past connector engagementelements 62 and is shaped to approximately resemble wedge 28 at itsdistal end 66. Accordingly, similar reference numbers are used herein todesignate similar parts. As described above with respect to wedge 28,when actuator arm 64 is actuated, such as by inserting the tool, rampportion(s) 52 engages latch 16 of cage 12 and deflect latch 16 away fromsurface 33 of module 10.

To remove transceiver module 10 using release tool 20, actuator arm 64is inserted through gap or opening 70 in front face 21 of housing 22.Opening 70 is sized to receive actuator arm 64 and permit actuator arm64 to pass unimpeded through slot 42. From this first position, asremoval tool 60 is advanced toward transceiver module 10, connectorengagement elements 62 engage receptacles 20, and ramp portions 52 ofactuator arm 64 engage cage latch 16. Ramp portion(s) 52 deflect latch16 away from surface 33 of transceiver module 10 and consequently awayfrom latch boss 34 to provide clearance for latch boss 34 to pass out oflatch slot 40. Once actuator arm 64 of removal tool 60 is fully insertedand adequate clearance is provided, transceiver module 10 can be removedfrom cage 12, such as by pulling on handle portion 61 of removal tool60.

Actuator arm 64 of removal tool 60 is illustrated as spatially fixedwith respect to handle portion 61 and connector engagement elements 62,such that connector engagement elements 62 engage receptacles 20 oftransceiver module 10 concurrent with the engagement of actuator arm 64and latch 16. In other embodiments, actuator arm 64 may be movable withrespect to handle portion 61 and connector engagement elements 62, suchthat connector engagement elements 62 engage receptacles 20 oftransceiver module 10 prior to the engagement of actuator arm 64 andlatch 16.

Typically, fiber optic components use color to designate mode (e.g.,wavelength, contact type, product type, etc.). Transceiver module 10 isgenerally small and only a small portion of transceiver module 10 isvisible when installed in cage 12. Mode indicator button 30 (FIGS. 2, 9Aand 9B) provides a highly visible color signal adjacent the front face21 of transceiver module 10, and is visible from the front and top oftransceiver module 10. Mode indicator button 30 is a molded plasticbutton (in any desired color) that is integral to the fiber opticinput/output receptacles 20 of transceiver module 10, thereby clearlyproviding mode information to a user and adding no size to transceivermodule 10. In one embodiment, mode indicator button 30 includes arecessed portion 80 in its back surface that is shaped to receiveprotrusion 81 of housing 22. Mode indicator button 30 may be secured toprotrusion 81 by means including press fit and adhesive. In anotherembodiment, the positions of recessed portion 80 and protrusion 81 maybe switched such that mode indicator button 30 has a protrusionreceivable in a recessed portion of housing 22.

Mode indicator button 30 can be used to designate transceiver module 10optical mode information, or in specific applications can be used by theend-user to designate user specific information. Mode indicator button30 provides several advantages over previous color marking features,such as color coded molded handles. For example, mode indicator buttonis easily assembled for different mode configurations, adds no size tothe transceiver module, and allows the use of either a handle 27 or aremoval tool 60 to release the transceiver module 10 from cage 12.Previous color marking features, such as color coded molded handles, areobviously of no advantage in a transceiver module with no handle.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described hereinfor purposes of description of the preferred embodiment, it will beappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety ofalternate and/or equivalent implementations calculated to achieve thesame purposes may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown anddescribed without departing from the scope of the present invention.Those with skill in the mechanical, electro-mechanical, and electricalarts will readily appreciate that the present invention may beimplemented in a very wide variety of embodiments. This application isintended to cover any adaptations or variations of the preferredembodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended thatthis invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalentsthereof.

1. A transceiver module for insertion within a cage having a cage latchthat retains the transceiver module in the cage, the transceiver modulecomprising: a housing configured to receive any one of at least twodifferent release mechanisms, each of the release mechanisms movablebetween a first position and a second position, wherein the cage latchis not deflected when the release mechanism is in the first position,and wherein the cage latch is deflected when the release mechanism is inthe second position such that the transceiver module can be removed fromthe cage.
 2. The transceiver module of claim 1, wherein the at least twodifferent release mechanisms comprise a handle rotatably mounted to thehousing and a release tool linearly insertable into the housing.
 3. Thetransceiver module of claim 1, further comprising a projection extendingfrom the housing and configured to engage the cage latch.
 4. Thetransceiver module of claim 1, further comprising an actuator coupled tothe release mechanism, the actuator having a ramped surface fordeflecting the cage latch when the release mechanism is in the secondposition.
 5. The transceiver module of claim 4, wherein the releasemechanism is a handle rotatably mounted to the transceiver module, andwherein the actuator moves linearly to deflect the cage latch as thehandle is rotated.
 6. The transceiver module of claim 5, furthercomprising a cover member, wherein the cover member retains the handleto the housing.
 7. The transceiver module of claim 4, wherein therelease mechanism is a release tool linearly insertable into thetransceiver module, and wherein the actuator moves linearly to deflectthe cage latch as the handle is inserted.
 8. The transceiver module ofclaim 3, wherein the cage latch has a slot through which the projectionprojects when the release mechanism in the first position and whereinthe projection is removed from the slot when the release mechanism is inthe second position.
 9. The transceiver module of claim 1, wherein thehousing includes a first opening to receive a first of the at least twodifferent release mechanisms, and a second opening to receive a secondof the at least two different release mechanisms.
 10. The transceivermodule of claim 1, wherein the housing can receive only one of the atleast two different release mechanisms at the same time.
 11. Atransceiver module housing comprising: a body having an interfacesurface and a front side; a first opening adjacent the front side of theinterface surface, the first opening configured to receive a firstrelease mechanism; and a second opening adjacent the front side of theinterface surface, the second opening configured to receive a secondrelease mechanism different from the first release mechanism.
 12. Thetransceiver module housing of claim 11, wherein the first opening isconfigured to receive a rotatable handle.
 13. The transceiver modulehousing of claim 12, wherein the rotatable handle is retained in thefirst opening by a module cover.
 14. The transceiver module housing ofclaim 11, wherein the second opening is configured to receive a removaltool.
 15. The transceiver module housing of claim 11, wherein the firstand second openings in the body cannot receive their respective releasemechanisms at the same time.
 16. A data transmission system comprising:a printed circuit board; a cage structure fixed to the printed circuitboard, the cage structure having an opening and a latch adjacent theopening, the latch further including a latch slot; a transceiver modulepluggable into the opening of the cage structure, the transceiver modulehaving a module projection, wherein the transceiver module is retainedwithin the cage by the engagement of the module projection with thelatch slot and wherein the transceiver module is removable from the cageby deflecting the latch with one of at least two different releasemechanisms to free the module projection from the latch slot.
 17. Thedata transmission system of claim 16, wherein the at least two differentrelease mechanisms comprise a handle rotatably mounted to the housingand a release tool linearly insertable into the housing.
 18. The datatransmission system of claim 16, further comprising an actuator coupledto the release mechanism, the actuator having a ramped surface fordeflecting the cage latch.
 19. The transceiver module of claim 16,wherein the housing includes a first opening to receive a first of theat least two different release mechanisms, and a second opening toreceive a second of the at least two different release mechanisms.